[GScott]

I'm looking for my 1st M3 and I know to do the PPI when buying from a private party. What about when buying from an actual BMW dealer. Do they do the inspection prior to listing it for sale or do I still request one?

[fdub]

You should request one. They shouldn't have an issue with it. Even if they CPO the car I would still have a PPI performed.

[m3freak86]

maybe take it to another BMW dealer since they wouldn't be the ones trying to sell you the car. Either way (stealer or private), get a PPI done

[nrubenstein]

A friend of mine bought a CPO car that had unrepaired frame damage, as an example. So yes, you should get a PPI done.

[MY02M3DINAN]

When I was searching for my M3, the ones I looked at that were being sold by BMW dealerships were pretty good and overpriced. Every one of them were up to date on the scheduled maintenance and clean. HOWEVER, I was looking at a very nice 04 SMG, and even test drove it. A few days later I made an offer. They transferred my call to the sales manager. He explained that they (dealership) had taken the car in on a trade, but had recently found "serious" problems with the car, and were no longer offering the car for sale. The car was to be sold at auction as the dealership did not feel comfortable selling the car with their name on it. Not all dealerships are a trustworthy..... pay for a PPI or take a BIG risk.

[Muscle]

I got mine from a BMW dealership...

GET A PPI

My front bumper wasn't not OEM, lug nuts were rusted, and my rear seat latch broke after a few k miles.

So yes, get a PPI no matter who you purchase it from.

[deilenberger]

Originally Posted by MY02M3DINAN

When I was searching for my M3, the ones I looked at that were being sold by BMW dealerships were pretty good and overpriced. Every one of them were up to date on the scheduled maintenance and clean. HOWEVER, I was looking at a very nice 04 SMG, and even test drove it. A few days later I made an offer. They transferred my call to the sales manager. He explained that they (dealership) had taken the car in on a trade, but had recently found "serious" problems with the car, and were no longer offering the car for sale. The car was to be sold at auction as the dealership did not feel comfortable selling the car with their name on it. Not all dealerships are a trustworthy..... pay for a PPI or take a BIG risk.

Based on your experience - I'd question the "overpriced" comment. Priced higher than the ones people were selling from their driveways - probably. Priced higher than the ones the used car dealers bought at auction - probably. Priced according to condition - also probably. As you noted - the dealer cars were up to date on maintenance, and bet you could look at the complete service history if you asked. They also were not selling junk - since they refused to sell you a car they weren't comfortable with - unlike the sleazy used car dealer down the road.

There is a reason dealerships charge more. Actually several - which you pointed out in your posting. I've often said "A cheap M3 can be the most expensive car you've ever owned.." - fixing them isn't cheap.

[GScott]

Thanks guys. I trust the dealer in question. I have purchased 4 new BMW's from them in the past and I know the service manager. I agree that the car is priced at the upper end and higher than the private purchases I have seen so far on Autotrader. On the other hand it is a CPO and has 2 years of warranty remaining and we haven't even talked about the price. The dealer option is also enticing since I wouldn't have to sell my current car.

If I decide to pursue this car then I will ask for a PPI. It would have to be the selling dealer though since I don't care for the other BMW dealer in Columbus.

[aau]

I'm in the market for a used e46 M3. I've found a car I'm interested in at a BMW franchise dealer. I definitely want to get a PPI report for the car since it clear across the country and I don't know anyone there I can just bring it to. Can I trust a report from the same dealership that's selling the car or should I get one somewhere else? Should the dealership have already done a PPI before putting the car up for sale? TIA

Also i have the VIN #, can I go to a local dealership and request the car's service records if I am not the owner?

[RedM3/4]

I'd try to get an independent PPI. Where is the car? I've found forum members often willing to do a first look-over in person to avoid paying for a PPI on a car I didn't want, and I'd do one for people if there car were in my city/close. If you do this, I'd have them concentrate on visuals - body and interior and general cleanliness under engine and car. Get a detailing freak, they'll find everything! I always tell sellers: I'm not looking for a perfect car (usually I kind of am...) but I want to know exactly what I'm getting, every rock chip, leather rub, etc. Sometimes great pics do this, but often not.
If it passes a visual, then line up the PPI.
Get a BMWCCA roundel magazine, there's listing of independent mechanics all over the country if you can't/don't want to use another dealer in the area.

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